James Hunt joins Motor Sport Hall of Fame

The 1976 Formula One champion recognised for his sheer talent as much as his contribution to F1's global profile

James Hunt will be one of four racing legends to be inducted into the Motor Sport Hall of Fame on January 29.

The Formula One World Champion in 1976, Hunt, who died in 1993, will always be remembered as one of the sport's biggest personalities – more so now since his title duel with arch-rival Niki Lauda has been featured in the film Rush.

However, the Austrian beat his British nemesis into the Hall of Fame, being one of motorsport's 25 greatest names already inducted.

Damien Smith, editor of Motor Sport magazine, said: "James Hunt belongs in rarefied company as a great British sporting hero who transcended the arena that made him famous to become a genuine national, if not global, icon. During the 1970s you didn't need to be a motor racing fan to know who James Hunt was.

"Clearly, he was a natural star, but the force of his personality sometimes means his ability and achievements as a truly exceptional racing driver are overlooked. It was his competitive instinct, bravery and sheer speed that carried him to the 1976 F1 World Championship, and he fully deserves to join former rivals such as Niki Lauda, Jody Scheckter and Mario Andretti in our exclusive club of legends."